Image encoding method, image decoding method, image encoding device, and image decoding device

ABSTRACT

An image encoding method according to an aspect of the present invention includes: generating, from a plurality of first sub-bitstreams which are obtained by encoding a plurality of images on a per layer basis according to spatial scalable image encoding, a second sub-bitstream including two or more first sub-bitstreams corresponding to two or more layers, the two or more first sub-bitstreams being included in the plurality of first sub-bitstreams; and generating a descriptor including a first field indicating a minimum value for two or more layer identifiers indicating the two or more layers and a second field indicating a maximum value for the two or more layer identifiers.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an image encoding method for encodingimages.

BACKGROUND ART

As a technique related to an image encoding method for encoding images,a technique is disclosed in Non Patent Literature 1.

CITATION LIST Non Patent Literature

[NPL 1]

ISO/IEC 13818-1

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, when sub-bitstreams generated in image encoding have a lowflexibility, it is difficult to perform efficient processing.

In view of this, the present invention provides an image encoding methodfor generating sub-bitstreams having a high flexibility.

Solution to Problem

An image encoding method according to an aspect of the present inventionincludes: generating, from a plurality of first sub-bitstreams which areobtained by encoding a plurality of images on a per layer basisaccording to spatial scalable image encoding, a second sub-bitstreamincluding two or more first sub-bitstreams corresponding to two or morelayers, the two or more first sub-bitstreams being included in theplurality of first sub-bitstreams; and generating a descriptor includinga first field indicating a minimum value for two or more layeridentifiers indicating the two or more layers and a second fieldindicating a maximum value for the two or more layer identifiers.

These general and specific aspects may be implemented using a system, adevice, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitorycomputer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or any combinationof systems, devices, integrated circuits, computer programs, orcomputer-readable recording media.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

An image encoding method according to an aspect of the present inventionis capable of generating sub-bitstreams having a high flexibility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating SVC extension descriptors according toa reference example.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a video sub-bits ream according to areference example.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating MVC extension descriptors according toa reference example.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a view ID set (MVC view_id subset)according to a reference example.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a spatial scalableimage encoding device according to a reference example.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an image which is encoded by thespatial scalable image encoding device according to the referenceexample.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a multiview imageencoding device according to a reference example.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an image which is encoded by themultiview image encoding device according to the reference example.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a transmissionside system according to a reference example.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a spatialscalable multiview encoding device according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating examples of sub-bitstreams to be inputto a system encoder according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of the systemencoder according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating sub-bitstreams which are generated bya sub-bitstream generating unit according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating SVC-MVC extension descriptorsaccording to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a system decoderaccording to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of the system decodeaccording to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 17 shows an overall configuration of a content providing system forimplementing content distribution services.

FIG. 18 shows an overall configuration of a digital broadcasting system.

FIG. 19 shows a block diagram illustrating an example of a configurationof a television.

FIG. 20 shows a block diagram illustrating an example of a configurationof an information reproducing/recording unit that reads and writesinformation from and on a recording medium that is an optical disk.

FIG. 21 shows an example of a configuration of a recording medium thatis an optical disk.

FIG. 22A shows an example of a cellular phone.

FIG. 22B is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of acellular phone.

FIG. 23 illustrates a structure of multiplexed data.

FIG. 24 schematically shows how each stream is multiplexed inmultiplexed data.

FIG. 25 shows how a video stream is stored in a stream of PES packets inmore detail.

FIG. 26 shows a structure of TS packets and source packets in themultiplexed data.

FIG. 27 shows a data structure of a PMT.

FIG. 28 shows an internal structure of multiplexed data information.

FIG. 29 shows an internal structure of stream attribute information.

FIG. 30 shows steps for identifying video data.

FIG. 31 shows an example of a configuration of an integrated circuit forimplementing the moving picture coding method according to each ofembodiments.

FIG. 32 shows a configuration for switching between driving frequencies.

FIG. 33 shows steps for identifying video data and switching betweendriving frequencies.

FIG. 34 shows an example of a look-up table in which video datastandards are associated with driving frequencies.

FIG. 35A is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for sharinga module of a signal processing unit.

FIG. 35B is a diagram showing another example of a configuration forsharing a module of the signal processing unit.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(Underlying Knowledge Forming Basis of the Present Disclosure)

The Inventors found the following problems related to the image encodingdevice which encodes video, described in the “Background Art” section.

A video and audio bitstream includes header information such as framesizes and display time added thereto. The bitstream is subject to systemmultiplexing, and is then transmitted. As a system multiplexing method,an MPEG-2 system defined in the ISO/IEC 13181-1 is generally used.

The MPEG-2 system defines two kinds of multiplexing formats which are atransport stream and a program stream. The transport stream is designedto be applied to an environment in which a transmission error occurs,and corresponds to a bitstream which is used mainly for broadcasting. Onthe other hand, the program stream is designed to be applied to anenvironment in which no error occurs, and corresponds to a bitstreamwhich is used mainly for storage media such as DVDs.

In the case of the MPEG-2 transport stream, data items are transmittedusing packets each having a fixed length of 188 bytes called transportstream (TS) packets. The video and audio encoded data items aremultiplexed into Packetized Elementary Stream (PES) packets, and arethen divided into appropriate sizes, and are inserted into the payloadsof the TS packets.

In addition, information items related to the program are multiplexed ina data structure called a section, and are divided into appropriatesizes, and are inserted into the payloads of the TS packets. Next, theresulting TS packets are arranged to compose a transport stream.

The section includes a Program Association Table (PAT), a Program MapTable (PMT), and a Program Stream Map (PSM) which include program listinformation. The MPEG-2 system makes it possible to store bitstreamattribute information such as a bit rate and a frame rate into a unitcalled a descriptor, and transmit the bitstream attribute informationincluded in a PMT or a PSM.

In general, the information included in the descriptor is informationalso included in the video and audio encoded data. With the descriptorincluded in the PMT or PSM, a system layer can be notified of thedetails of encoded data, and determine whether or not the encoded datacan be decoded, at the time of receiving program information.

The ITU-T H.222.0 Amendment 3 (Transport of scalable video over Rec.ITU-T H.222.0|ISO/IEC 13818-1) defines extension for transmitting data(SVC data) obtained in scalable video encoding using the MPEG-2 system.

FIG. 1 illustrates SVC extension descriptors including informationrelated to scalability and re-assembly of a video sub-bitstream. Thevideo sub-bitstream constitutes a part of a video stream which isobtained in scalable video encoding. All of NAL units which constitute avideo sub-bitstream includes a value of identical dependency_id.

FIG. 2 illustrates examples of the video sub-bitstreams. The videosub-bitstreams illustrated in FIG. 2 are composed of NAL units having 2as a value of dependency_id. Here, the dependency_id is an identifierindicating a hierarchical layer of spatial scalable video encoding. Inthe already standardized video encoding method called H.264, a NAL unitheader including SVC data is extended, and the dependency_id is includedin the SVC extension part of the NAL unit header.

Next, field's included in SVC extension descriptors are described. Afield as descripter_tag is an identifier for identifying a descriptor,and an SVC extension descriptor has 48 assigned thereto. A field asdescriptor_length indicates the size of the descriptor. Fields as widthand height indicate a maximum size for images in a video stream. A fieldas frame_rate indicates a maximum frame rate for the video stream.

A field as average_bitrate indicates an average bit rate of the videostream. A field as maximum_bitrate indicates a maximum bit rate for thevideo stream. As described above, the dependency_id is the value ofdependency_id of the NAL unit headers of the NAL units composing thevideo sub-bitstream.

A field as quality_id_start indicates a minimum value for quality_id ofNAL unit headers of the NAL units composing the video sub-bitstream. Afield as quality_id_end indicates a maximum value for quality_id of NALunit headers of the NAL units composing the video sub-bitstream. Inother words, as the values of quality_id, the NAL units including valuesfrom quality_id_start to quality_id_end are included in the videosub-bitstream.

Likewise, fields as temporal_id_start and temporal_id_end respectivelyindicate minimum and maximum values for temporal_id of the NAL unitheaders of the NAL units composing the video sub-bitstream.

A field as no_sei_nal_unit_present is a flag indicating whether or notthe video sub-bitstream includes a NAL unit of a SupplementalEnhancement Information (SEI). When the value of no_sei_nal_unit_presentis 1, it is shown that the video sub-bitstream does not include any NALunit of SEI.

The ITU-T H.222.0 Amendment 4 (Transport of multiview video over Rec.ITU-T H.222.0|ISO/IEC 13818-1) defines extension for transmitting data(MVC data) which is obtained by multiview video encoding, using theMPEG-2 system.

FIG. 3 illustrates MVC extension descriptors including informationrelated to MVC video sub-bitstreams and re-assembly of the MVC videosub-bitstreams.

An MVC video sub-bitstream constitutes a part of a video stream which isobtained through multiview video encoding. The NAL unit composing theMVC video sub-bitstream has a value of View_Id included in a view ID set(MVC View_Id Subset). The view ID set (MVC View_Id Subset) is one ormore View_Id sets.

FIG. 4 illustrates examples of view ID sets (MVC view_id subset). Theview ID set (MVC view_id subset) in (a) of FIG. 4 is a set of view_idhaving a value of 1 and view_id having a value of 2. The MVC videosub-bitstream in (a) of FIG. 4 is composed only of NAL units each havingview_id with a value of 1 or 2.

The view ID set (MVC View_Id Subset) in (b) of FIG. 4 is a set composedonly of view_id with a value of 3. The view ID set (MVC view_Id subset)in (c) of FIG. 4 is a set of view_id with a value of 4, 5, or 6. The MVCvideo sub-bitstream is composed of NAL units having a value of view_idincluded in each view ID set (MVC view_id subset).

It is to be noted that view_id is an identifier indicating a view inmultiview video encoding. In the H.264 standard, a NAL unit headerincluding MVC data is extended, and view_id is included in the MVCextension part of the NAL unit header.

Next, fields included in MVC extension descriptors are described. Afield descriptor_tag is an identifier for identifying a descriptor, anda field MVC extension descriptor has 49 assigned thereto.

A field view_order_index_min indicates a minimum value forview_order_index of NAL units composing the MVC video sub-bitstream. Afield view_order_index_max indicates a maximum value forview_order_index of NAL units composing the MVC video sub-bitstream.

In other words, views having values from view_order_index_min toview_order_index_max as values of view_order_index are included in theMVC video sub-bitstream. It is to be noted that view_order_index denotesvalues indicating the order of views, the values of view_id identifyingviews are associated using subset sequence parameter sets (subset SPSs)or the like.

A field no_prefix_nal_unit_present is a flag indicating whether or notthe MVC video sub-bitstream includes a pre-fix NAL unit. Whenno_prefix_nal_unit_present has a value of 0, only the MVC videosub-bitstream including a base view includes the pre-fix NAL unit. Here,a base view is a view having a minimum value as the value ofview_order_index.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of the spatialscalable image encoding device in a video encoding method in H. 264.

As shown in FIG. 5, the spatial scalable image encoding device 100includes: an input image control unit 101; a downsampling unit 102; abase layer encoding unit 103; an enhancement layer encoding unit 105;and an expanding unit 104.

The input image control unit 101 transmits an input image signal toencoding units each in charge of encoding of one of layers. Thedownsampling unit 102 performs downsampling on the input image signal togenerate an input image having a lower resolution. The base layerencoding unit 103 is a normal image encoding device which does notperform spatial scalable encoding, and performs image encoding on a baselayer, and outputs a video sub-bitstream including coding information ofthe base layer.

The expanding unit 104 expands image coding information in the baselayer to generate prediction information which is used in image encodingon an enhancement layer, and inputs the prediction information to theenhancement layer encoding unit 105. The enhancement layer encoding unit105 performs image encoding on an input image signal (enhancement layer)which is input from the input image control unit 101 using theprediction information. The enhancement layer encoding unit 105 thenoutputs a video sub-bitstream including the coding information of theenhancement layer.

It is to be noted that the spatial scalable image encoding device 100illustrated in FIG. 5 corresponds to, for example, two hierarchicallayers that are a base layer and an enhancement layer. However, aplurality of enhancement layer encoding units are combined, whichrealizes spatial scalable image encoding on a plurality of enhancementlayers.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an input image in each encoding unit inone of layers in the spatial scalable image encoding device 100. In thisexample, the input image corresponds to one base layer and twoenhancement layers.

The input image in the base layer (Layer1) has an SD size, and the inputimage in Layer2 that is a first enhancement layer has an HD size, andthe input image in Layer3 that is a second enhancement layer has a 4 k 2k size. In addition, dependency_id of Layer1, Layer2, and Layer3, are 0,1, and 2, respectively.

A layer having a relatively low resolution is called a lower layer, anda layer having a higher resolution is called a higher layer. In otherwords, the base layer is the lower layer as a bottom layer. In spatialscalable image encoding, inter-layer prediction is performed usingprediction information of a lower layer at the time when a higher layeris encoded. In this way, encoding efficiency is increased. Informationitems used as prediction information include intra texture prediction,motion vector prediction, or inter-frame difference prediction. It is tobe noted that use of prediction information of a lower layer at the timeof encoding a higher layer is referred to as inter-layer reference(prediction).

The spatial scalable image encoding uses inter-frame prediction (interprediction) in a temporal direction as in normal image encoding.However, all of the layers have an identical inter-frame referencerelationship.

In FIG. 6, dotted-line arrows indicate inter-layer prediction and interprediction. More specifically, each of images indicated by the arrows isreferred to one of the images as starting points of the arrows. In theinter prediction in the base layer, a frame preceding by two frames isreferred to. Likewise, also in the enhancement layer, a frame precedingby two frames is referred to. Here, whether or not to performinter-layer prediction is switched on a per block basis.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of the multiviewimage encoding device in a video encoding method in H.264.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, a multiview image encoding device 200includes: an input image control unit 201; a base view encoding unit202; and an enhancement view encoding unit 203.

The input image control unit 201 generates each view image from an inputimage signal as necessary, and transmits the view image to acorresponding one of the encoding units (202, 203). Here, the inputimage signal of each view may be input to the input image control unit201.

The base view encoding unit 202 is a normal image encoding device whichdoes not perform multiview encoding, performs image encoding on the baseview, and outputs an MVC video sub-bitstream including codinginformation of the base view. In addition, the base view encoding unit202 inputs, to the enhancement view encoding unit 203, a re-assemblyview image of the base view encoded and decoded inside the base viewencoding unit 202.

The enhancement view encoding unit 203 performs image encoding on theenhancement view image input from the input image control unit 201,using the re-assembly view image. The enhancement view encoding unit 203then outputs an MVC video sub-bitstream including the coding informationof the enhancement view. Here, the multiview image encoding device 200illustrated in FIG. 7 corresponds to, for example, two views that are abase view and an enhancement view. However, a plurality of enhancementview encoding units are combined, which realizes multiview imageencoding corresponding to a plurality of enhancement views.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an input image in each view in themultiview image encoding device 200. In this example, the input imagecorresponds to one base view and two enhancement views. The base view(View1) and the enhancement views (View2, View3) have an identical imageresolution. In general, the view images are images captured at a samepoint of time from slightly different viewpoints, and thus have acorrelation therebetween. Today, the multiview image encoding is used asa stereoscopic (3D) image encoding method.

Each of the views has an identifier for identifying the view assignedthereto. For example, View1, View2, and View3 have 1, 2, and 3,respectively, as values of view_id. In addition, for example, the viewshave 0, 1, and 2, respectively, as values of view_order_index.

In the multiview image encoding, inter-frame prediction is performedusing, as a reference image, a re-assembly image of another view, at thetime of encoding an enhancement view. In this way, encoding efficiencyis increased. It is to be noted that use of a re-assembly image ofanother view at the time of encoding an enhancement view is referred tointer-view reference (prediction).

In the multiview image encoding, a re-assembly image of another view isused as a reference image in inter-frame prediction (inter prediction)in a temporal direction used in normal image encoding. However, nore-assembly image of another view that is temporally different from anencoding target image is used as a reference image.

When inter-view prediction is used, a reference view is selected. InFIG. 8, dotted-line arrows indicate inter-view prediction and interpredict-ion. In inter-view prediction of the first enhancement view(View2), the base view (View1) is referred to. On the other hand, in theinter-view prediction in the second enhancement view (View3), the firstenhancement view (View2) is referred to. Here, whether or not to performinter-view prediction is switched on a per block basis. In addition,when points of time are different, inter-view reference relationshipsmay vary.

FIG. 9 illustrates a transmission side system including the multiviewimage encoding device and the MPEG-2 system encoder. The multiview imageencoding device 301 of the transmission side system 300 is equivalent instructure to the multiview image encoding device 200 illustrated in FIG.7. However, in the multiview image encoding device 301 of thetransmission side system 300, two enhancement view encoding units arecombined.

The multiview image encoding device 301 encodes, as an input image, eachview image as in FIG. 8, and outputs an MVC video sub-bitstreamincluding coding information of each view to the MPEG-2 system encoder302. In other words, three MVC video sub-bitstreams having 1, 2, and 3as values of view_id are input to the MPEG-2 system encoder 302.

The MPEG-2 system encoder 302 classifies the input three MVC videosub-bitstreams into one group to generate a new MVC video sub-bitstreamas necessary.

For example, the MPEG-2 system encoder 302 generates one MVC videosub-bitstream from two of the MVC video sub-bitstreams each having 1 or2 as the value of view_id. In addition, the MPEG-2 system encoder 302generates another MVC video sub-bitstream from the MVC videosub-bitstream having 3 as the value of view_id. The resulting two MVCvideo sub-bitstreams correspond to MVC video sub-bitstreams of (a) and(b) in FIG. 4.

As described above, the MPEG-2 system encoder 302 has a function formultiplexing input video and audio bitstreams. When a transport streamis used as a multiplexing format by the MPEG-2 system encoder 302, TSpackets are output.

As described above, the MPEG-2 system encoder 302 classifies the inputsub-bitstreams into one group to generate a new sub-bitstream asnecessary.

However, the MPEG-2 system encoder 302 cannot generate a sub-bitstreamincluding a plurality of dependency_id fields. In other words, thesub-bitstream generated by the MPEG-2 system encoder 302 has a lowflexibility.

In addition, in the case of performing encoding involving a combinationof spatial scalable image encoding and multiview image encoding, thesub-bitstreams that are input from the multiview image encoding device301 to the MPEG-2 system encoder 302 are associated with both view_id(view_order_index) and dependency_id.

However, the MPEG-2 system encoder 302 cannot generate sub-bitstreamsincluding view_id (view_order_index) and dependency_id in a mixedmanner. For this reason, the resulting sub-bitstreams are limited.

In view of this, an image encoding method according to an aspect of thepresent invention includes: generating, from a plurality of firstsub-bitstreams which are obtained by encoding a plurality of images on aper layer basis according to spatial scalable image encoding, a secondsub-bitstream including two or more first sub-bitstreams correspondingto two or more layers, the two or more first sub-bitstreams beingincluded in the plurality of first sub-bitstreams; and generating adescriptor including a first field indicating a minimum value for two ormore layer identifiers indicating the two or more layers and a secondfield indicating a maximum value for the two or more layer identifiers.

In this way, the image encoding method makes it possible to generate thehighly flexible sub-bitstreams corresponding to the plurality of layers.

For example, the generating of a second sub-bitstream may includegenerating a second sub-bitstream including the two or more firstsub-bitstreams corresponding to the two or more layers and two or moreviews, from the plurality of first sub-bitstreams which are obtained byencoding the plurality of images on a per layer basis and on a per viewbasis according to the spatial scalable image encoding and multiviewimage encoding, and the generating of a descriptor may includegenerating a descriptor including the first field, the second field, athird field indicating a minimum value for two or more view identifiersindicating the two or more views, and a fourth field indicating amaximum value for the two or more view identifiers.

In this way, the image encoding method makes it possible to generate thehighly flexible sub-bitstreams corresponding to the plurality of layersand the plurality of views.

In addition, for example, an image decoding method according to anaspect of the present invention includes: obtaining, from a bitstreamincluding a plurality of first sub-bitstreams which are obtained byencoding a plurality of images on a per layer basis according to spatialscalable image encoding, (i) a second sub-bitstream including two ormore first sub-bitstreams corresponding to two or more layers, and (ii)a descriptor of the second sub-bitstream, the two or more firstsub-bitstreams being included in the plurality of first sub-bitstreams;parsing a descriptor including a first field indicating a minimum valuefor two or more layer identifiers indicating the two or more layers anda second field indicating a maximum value for the two or more layeridentifiers; and determining a process to be performed on the secondsub-bitstream corresponding to the descriptor, based on the minimumvalue indicated by the first field and the maximum value indicated bythe second field.

In this way, the image encoding method makes it possible to process thehighly flexible sub-bitstreams corresponding to the plurality of layers.

In addition, for example, the obtaining may include obtaining, from thebitstream including the plurality of first sub-bitstreams which areobtained by encoding the plurality of images on a per layer basis and ona per view basis according to the spatial scalable image encoding andmultiview encoding, (i) the second sub-bitstream including the two ormore first sub-bitstreams corresponding to the two or more layers andtwo or more views, and (ii) the descriptor of the second sub-bitstream,the parsing may include parsing of a descriptor including the firstfield, the second field, a third field indicating a minimum value fortwo or more view identifiers indicating the two or more views, and afourth field indicating a maximum value for the two or more viewidentifiers, and the determining may include determining a process to beperformed on the second sub-bitstream corresponding to the descriptor,based on the minimum value indicated by the first field, the maximumvalue indicated by the second field, the minimum value indicated by thethird field, and the maximum value indicated by the fourth field.

In this way, the image encoding method makes it possible to process thehighly flexible sub-bitstreams corresponding to the plurality of layersand the plurality of views.

These general and specific aspects may be implemented using a system, adevice, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitorycomputer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or any combinationof systems, devices, integrated circuits, computer programs, orcomputer-readable recording media.

Hereinafter, certain embodiments are described in detail with referenceto the Drawings. Each of the embodiments described below illustrates ageneral or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials,elements, the arrangement and connection of the elements, steps, theprocessing order of the steps etc. shown in the following embodimentsare mere examples, and therefore do not limit the scope of the presentinvention. In addition, among the elements in the following exemplaryembodiments, elements not recited in any one of the independent claimswhich define the most generic concept are described as arbitraryelements.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a spatialscalable multiview video encoding device according to this embodiment.The spatial scalable multiview video encoding device 400 illustrated inFIG. 10 is an example of an image encoding device.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the spatial scalable multiview video encodingdevice 400 includes: an input image control unit 401; a firstdownsampling unit 402; a base view base layer encoding unit 403; a baseview enhancement layer encoding unit 404; a first expanding unit 405; asecond downsampling unit 406; an enhancement view base layer encodingunit 407; an enhancement view enhancement layer encoding unit 408; and asecond expanding unit 409.

Here, the first downsampling unit 402 and the second downsampling unit406 have the same functions, and may be mounted to be shared. Inaddition, the first expanding unit 405 and the second expanding unit 409have the same functions, and may be mounted to be shared.

In addition, the spatial scalable multiview video encoding device 400illustrated in FIG. 10 corresponds to, for example, two views that are abase view and an enhancement view. When a plurality of enhancement viewencoding units (a plurality of enhancement view base layer encodingunits and a plurality of enhancement view enhancement layer encodingunits etc.) are combined, it is possible to perform multiview imageencoding corresponding to the plurality of enhancement views.

Likewise, the spatial scalable multiview video encoding device 400corresponds to two layers that are a base layer and an enhancementlayer. When a plurality of enhancement layer encoding units (a pluralityof base view enhancement view enhancement layer encoding units and aplurality of enhancement view enhancement layer encoding units etc.) arecombined, it is possible to perform spatial scalable image encodingcorresponding to the plurality of enhancement layers.

The input image control unit 401 separates the input signal on a perview basis, and transmits each view to a corresponding one of encodingunits.

The first downsampling unit 402 (the second downsampling unit 406)performs downsampling on the input image signal to generate an inputimage having a lower resolution.

The base view base layer encoding unit 403 is a normal image encodingdevice which does not perform spatial scalable encoding, and performsimage encoding on a base layer of a base view, and outputs an SVC-MVCsub-bitstream including coding information of the base layer. The baseview base layer encoding unit 403 then inputs the re-assembly image ofthe base layer of the base view to the enhancement view base layerencoding unit 407.

The first expanding unit 405 generates prediction information which isused for image encoding of an enhancement layer by expanding imagecoding information of the base layer of the base view, and inputs theprediction information to the base view enhancement layer encoding unit404.

The base view enhancement layer encoding unit 404 performs imageencoding on an input image signal (the enhancement layer of the baseview) which is input from the input image control unit 401 using theprediction information. The base view enhancement layer encoding unit404 next outputs an SVC-MVC sub-bitstream including coding informationof the enhancement layer of the base view. Furthermore, the base viewenhancement layer encoding unit 404 inputs a re-assembly image of theenhancement layer of the base view to the enhancement view enhancementlayer encoding unit 408.

The enhancement view base layer encoding unit 407 performs imageencoding of the base layer of the enhancement view, using there-assembly image of the base layer of the base view re-assembled by thebase view base layer encoding unit 403. The enhancement view base layerencoding unit 407 next outputs an SVC-MVC sub-bitstream including codinginformation of the base layer of the enhancement view.

The second expanding unit 409 generates prediction information which isused for image encoding of an enhancement layer of the enhancement viewby expanding image coding information of the base layer of theenhancement view, and inputs the prediction information to theenhancement view enhancement layer encoding unit 408.

The enhancement view enhancement layer encoding unit 408 performs imageencoding of an input image signal (the enhancement layer of theenhancement view) which is input from the input image control unit 401,using the forwarded prediction information (either the re-assembly imageof the enhancement layer of the base view, or an image obtained byexpanding the image coding information of the base layer of theenhancement view). The enhancement view enhancement layer encoding unit408 next outputs an SVC-MVC sub-bitstream including coding informationof the enhancement view enhancement layer.

The output SVC-MVC sub-bitstream is input to the MPEG-2 system encoder.The MPEG-2 system encoder has a function for multiplexing video andaudio bitstreams.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of an SVC-MVC sub-bitstream that is inputto the MPEG-2 system encoder. Here, for the purpose of illustration, thespatial scalable multiview video encoding device 400 illustrated in FIG.10 corresponds to two views that are a base view and an enhancementview, and corresponds to two hierarchical layers that are a base layerand an enhancement layer. In this case, four SVC-MVC sub-bitstreams areoutput to the MPEG-2 system encoder.

In FIG. 11, four views for a multiview and three hierarchical layers forspatial scalability are conceived. In this case, twelve SVC-MVCsub-bitstreams are present. Each of the SVC-MVC sub-bitstreams isidentified by view_id (view_order_index) and dependency_id.

Each of the SVC-MVC sub-bitstreams illustrated in FIG. 11 is assignedwith a value ranging from 0 to 3 as a value of view_id and a valueranging from 0 to 2 as a value of dependency_id. For example, 0 isassigned to the view_id of the SVC-MVC sub-bitstream at the upper left,and 2 is assigned to the dependency_id thereof.

Here, the values of view_id and dependency_id may be directly insertedto, for example, a NAL unit header. In addition, based on a layer IDinserted to the NAL unit header, the view_id and dependency_idcorresponding to the layer ID may be obtained from higher layerinformation such as a sequence parameter set (SPS).

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of an MPEG-2 systemencoder. The MPEG-2 system encoder 500 illustrated in FIG. 12 is anexample of an image encoding device. The MPEG-2 system encoder 500includes a sub-bitstream generating unit 501 and a descriptor generatingunit 502. Here, the MPEG-2 system encoder 500 may further include a TSpacket generating unit etc.

The sub-bitstream generating unit 501 classifies a plurality of inputSVC-MVC sub-bitstreams (first sub-bitstreams) into groups to generatenew SVC-MVC sub-bitstreams (second sub-bitstreams) as necessary, andoutputs the new ones.

FIG. 13 illustrates an SVC-MVC sub-bitstream that is generated by thesub-bitstream generating unit 501 when the twelve SVC-MVC sub-bitstreamsillustrated in FIG. 11 are input. The SVC-MVC sub-bitstreams areclassified into groups as enclosed by dotted lines. Next, the fourSVC-MVC sub-bitstreams (a) to (d) in FIG. 13 are output from thesub-bitstream generating unit 501.

For example, in (d) of FIG. 13, higher layers in the enhancement viewthat is conceived to be rarely used is classified into a group ofSVC-MVC sub-bitstreams. Classifying some of the SVC-MVC sub-bitstreamsinto a group facilitates management of the sub-bitstreams in a systemlayer.

Here, (a) to (d) of FIG. 13 illustrates examples of classification, andclassification is not limited thereto. The number of SVC-MVCsub-bitstreams which are output by the sub-bitstream generating unit 501is not limited. In addition, one of input SVC-MVC sub-bitstreams maybelong to a plurality of groups of SVC-MVC sub-bitstreams to be output(in other words, some of the areas enclosed by dotted lines may beoverlapped with each other).

The descriptor generating unit 502 generates a descriptor that is usedin the MPEG-2 system. The descriptor generating unit 502 generates adescriptor corresponding to encoding as a combination of spatialscalable image encoding and multiview image encoding (the descriptor ishereinafter referred to as an SVC-MVC extension descriptor).

FIG. 14 illustrates examples of SVC-MVC extension descriptors. TheSVC-MVC extension descriptors are information related to SVC-MVCsub-bitstreams, and include information of dependency_id and view_id(view_order_index). Next, each of fields included in the SVC-MVCextension descriptors is described. As for the same fields as in thefields included in the SVC extension descriptors in FIG. 1 or the MVCextension descriptors in FIG. 3, the descriptions thereof are asprovided above.

A field as descriptor_tag is an identifier for identifying a descriptor,and an SVC-MVC extension descriptor has a particular value (for example,a value selected from 0 to 63) assigned thereto.

A field as dependency_id_start indicates a maximum value ofdependency_id of a NAL unit included in the SVC-MVC sub-bitstreamthereof. A field as dependency_id_end indicates a maximum value ofdependency_id of a NAL unit included in the SVC-MVC sub-bitstreamthereof.

In other words, the NAL units having values from the dependency_id_startto the dependency_id_end as the values of the dependency_id are includedin the SVC-MVC sub-bitstream thereof.

In addition, in the above description, dependency_id, quality_id, andview_id are included in the NAL unit headers or the extension parts ofthe NAL unit headers. However, this is a non-limiting example. Forexample, view_id, quality_id, and dependency_id corresponding to thelayer ID may be obtained from higher layer information such as SPS,based on the layer ID inserted in the NAL unit headers.

Next, values of some of the fields included in the SVC-MVC extensiondescriptors are described in detail with reference to FIG. 13. TheSVC-MVC sub-bitstream in (a) of FIG. 13 has SVC-MVC extensiondescriptors which are dependency_id_start with a value of 0,dependency_id_end with a value of 0, view_order_index_min with a valueof 0, and view_order_index_max with a value of 0.

In addition, the SVC-MVC sub-bitstream in (b) of FIG. 13 hasdependency_id_start with a value of 1, dependency_id_end with a value of2, view_order_index_min with a value of 0, and view_order_index_max witha value of 0. In addition, the SVC-MVC sub-bitstream in (c) of FIG. 13has dependency_id_start with a value of 0, dependency_id_end with avalue of 0, view_order_index_min with a value of 1, andview_order_index_max with a value of 3.

In addition, the SVC-MVC sub-bitstream in (d) of FIG. 13 hasdependency_id_start with a value of 1, dependency_id_end with a value of2, view_order_index_min with a value of 1, and view_order_index_max witha value of 3.

In other words, when only a single value for dependency_id is includedin the sub-bitstream, an identical value is set to dependency_id_startand dependency_id_end. Likewise, when only a single value forview_order_index is included in the sub-bitstream, an identical value isset to view_order_index_min and view_order_index_max.

With the use of the SVC-MVC extension descriptors in FIG. 14, thedescriptor generating unit 502 can flexibly generate descriptorscorresponding to various kinds of SVC-MVC sub-bitstreams which areoutput from the sub-bitstream generating unit 501.

As described above, in this embodiment, the sub-bitstream generatingunit 501 generates sub-bitstreams having a plurality of items ofdependency_id (layer identifiers). Next, the descriptor generating unit502 generates descriptors including a field (first field) indicating aminimum value among the plurality of items of dependency_id and a field(second field) indicating a maximum number of the same. Accordingly, theimage encoding device according to this embodiment can flexibly generatesub-bitstreams.

In addition, the sub-bitstream generating unit 501 may generatesub-bitstreams including a plurality of items of view_order_index (viewidentifiers). Next, the descriptor generating unit 502 may generatedescriptors including a field (third field) indicating a minimum valueamong the plurality of items of view_order_index and a field (fourthfield) indicating a maximum number of the same. In this way, the imageencoding device can generate sub-bitstreams further flexibly.

For example, when encoding as a combination of spatial scalable imageencoding and multiview image encoding is performed, the descriptorgenerating unit 502 uses SVC-MVC extension descriptors corresponding tothese kinds of encoding. In this way, sub-bitstreams are flexiblygenerated.

Embodiment 2

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of an MPG-2 systemdecoder which receives TS packets including SVC-MVC sub-bitstreams inthe payloads thereof. The MPEG-2 system decoder 600 illustrated in FIG.15 is an example of an image decoding device. The MPEG-2 system decoder600 includes: a TS packet receiving unit 601; a descriptor parsing unit602; and a sub-bitstream control unit 603. It is to be noted that someconventional functional blocks such as a demultiplexing unit etc. arenot shown.

The TS packet receiving unit 601 receives TS packets. The TS packetreceiving unit 601 then parses TS packet headers and obtain payloaddata.

The descriptor parsing unit 602 parses descriptors extracted from thepayloads of the TS packets. The descriptor parsing unit 602 according tothis embodiment is capable of parsing SVC-MVC extension descriptorsillustrated in FIG. 14.

The sub-bitstream control unit 603 performs control on correspondingsub-bitstreams based on the descriptor information output from thedescriptor parsing unit 602.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow of processes on an SVC-MVC sub-bitstream inthe MPEG-2 system decoder 600. First, the TS packet receiving unit 601receives the SVC-MVC sub-bitstream (Step S1). Next, the sub-bitstreamcontrol unit 603 refers to information of the SVC-MVC extensiondescriptor corresponding to the SVC-MVC sub-bitstream (Step S2). Thisinformation is output from the descriptor parsing unit 602.

The sub-bitstream control unit 603 recognizes a spatial layer includingthe SVC-MVC sub-bitstream, from the values of dependency_id_start anddependency_id_end of the SVC-MVC extension descriptor information. Inaddition, the sub-bitstream control unit 603 recognizes a view orderincluded in the SVC-MVC sub-bitstream, from the values ofview_order_index_min and view_order_index_max.

The sub-bitstream control unit 603 next judges (determines) a process tobe performed on the SVC-MVC sub-bitstream, according to a predeterminedstandard that is set in a decoder side system (Step S3). For example,when a standard that no extension layer is decoded and displayed is set,the sub-bitstream control unit 603 discards an SVC-MVC sub-bitstreamhaving 1 or larger as the value of dependency_id_start, instead ofinputting the SVC-MVC sub-bitstream to a video decoder.

As described above, in this embodiment, the field indicating the minimumvalue and the field indicating the maximum value among the values of theplurality of items of dependency_id are used. Accordingly, efficientprocessing is possible. Furthermore, the descriptors may include a fieldindicating a minimum value and a maximum value among the values of aplurality of items of view_order_index. In this way, further efficientprocessing is possible.

In addition, the use of SVC-MVC extension descriptors corresponding tothe spatial scalable image encoding and multiview image encodingfacilitates management of sub-bitstreams in the system layer. Forexample, the MPEG-2 system decoder 600 discards one SVC-MVCsub-bitstream with reference to the SVC-MVC extension descriptorthereof, and can thereby reduce a load on the video decoder.

Each of the elements in each of the above-described embodiments may beconfigured in the form of an exclusive hardware product, or may berealized by executing a software program suitable for the element. Eachof the elements may be realized by means of a program executing unit,such as a CPU and a processor, reading and executing the softwareprogram recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or asemiconductor memory.

In other words, each of the image encoding device and the image decodingdevice includes control circuitry and storage electrically connected tothe control circuitry (accessible from the control circuitry). Thecontrol circuitry includes at least one of exclusive hardware and aprogram executing unit. In addition, when the control circuitry includesthe program executing unit, the storage stores a software program whichis executed by the program executing unit.

Here, the software which realizes the image encoding device, the imagedecoding device, or the like in each of the embodiments is a program asdescribed below.

The program causes a computer to execute an image encoding methodincluding: generating, from a plurality of first sub-bitstreams whichare obtained by encoding a plurality of images on a per layer basisaccording to spatial scalable image encoding, a second sub-bitstreamincluding two or more first sub-bitstreams corresponding to two or morelayers, the two or more first sub-bitstreams being included in theplurality of first sub-bitstreams; and generating a descriptor includinga first field indicating a minimum value for two or more layeridentifiers indicating the two or more layers and a second fieldindicating a maximum value for the two or more layer identifiers.

In addition, the program causes a computer to execute an image decodingmethod including: obtaining, from a bitstream including a plurality offirst sub-bitstreams which are obtained by encoding a plurality ofimages on a per layer basis according to spatial scalable imageencoding, (i) a second sub-bitstream including two or more firstsub-bitstreams corresponding to two or more layers, and (ii) adescriptor of the second sub-bitstream, the two or more firstsub-bitstreams being included in the plurality of first sub-bitstreams;parsing a descriptor including a first field indicating a minimum valuefor two or more layer identifiers indicating the two or more layers anda second field indicating a maximum value for the two or more layeridentifiers; and determining a process to be performed on the secondsub-bitstream corresponding to the descriptor, based on the minimumvalue indicated by the first field and the maximum value indicated bythe second field.

The image encoding device and the image decoding device according to oneor more aspects have been described above based on the embodiments.However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.Various modifications arrived at and made to the embodiments by thoseskilled in the art and embodiments configured by combining some elementsof different embodiments may also be included in the scope of the one ormore aspects, without materially departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

Embodiment 3

The processing described in each of embodiments can be simplyimplemented in an independent computer system, by recording, in arecording medium, one or more programs for implementing theconfigurations of the moving picture encoding method (image encodingmethod) and the moving picture decoding method (image decoding method)described in each of embodiments. The recording media may be anyrecording media as long as the program can be recorded, such as amagnetic disk, an optical disk, a magnetic optical disk, an IC card, anda semiconductor memory.

Hereinafter, the applications to the moving picture encoding method(image encoding method) and the moving picture decoding method (imagedecoding method) described in each of embodiments and systems usingthereof will be described. The system has a feature of having an imagecoding apparatus that includes an image encoding apparatus using theimage encoding method and an image decoding apparatus using the imagedecoding method. Other configurations in the system can be changed asappropriate depending on the cases.

FIG. 17 illustrates an overall configuration of a content providingsystem ex100 for implementing content distribution services. The areafor providing communication services is divided into cells of desiredsize, and base stations ex106, ex107, ex108, ex109, and ex110 which arefixed wireless stations are placed in each of the cells.

The content providing system ex100 is connected to devices, such as acomputer ex111, a personal digital assistant (PDA) ex112, a cameraex113, a cellular phone ex114 and a game machine ex115, via the Internetex101, an Internet service provider ex102, a telephone network ex104, aswell as the base stations ex106 to ex110, respectively.

However, the configuration of the content providing system ex100 is notlimited to the configuration shown in FIG. 17, and a combination inwhich any of the elements are connected is acceptable. In addition, eachdevice may be directly connected to the telephone network ex104, ratherthan via the base stations ex106 to ex110 which are the fixed wirelessstations. Furthermore, the devices may be interconnected to each othervia a short distance wireless communication and others.

The camera ex113, such as a digital video camera, is capable ofcapturing video. A camera ex116, such as a digital camera, is capable ofcapturing both still images and video. Furthermore, the cellular phoneex114 may be the one that meets any of the standards such as GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM) (registered trademark), CodeDivision Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access(W-CDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and High Speed Packet Access(HSPA). Alternatively, the cellular phone ex114 may be a PersonalHandyphone System (PHS).

In the content providing system ex100, a streaming server ex103 isconnected to the camera ex113 and others via the telephone network ex104and the base station ex109, which enables distribution of images of alive show and others. In such a distribution, a content (for example,video of a music live show) captured by the user using the camera ex113is encoded as described above in each of embodiments (i.e., the camerafunctions as the image encoding apparatus according to an aspect of thepresent invention), and the encoded content is transmitted to thestreaming server ex103. On the other hand, the streaming server ex103carries out stream distribution of the transmitted content data to theclients upon their requests. The clients include the computer ex111, thePDA ex112, the camera ex113, the cellular phone ex114, and the gamemachine ex115 that are capable of decoding the above-mentioned encodeddata. Each of the devices that have received the distributed datadecodes and reproduces the encoded data (i.e., functions as the imagedecoding apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention).

The captured data may be encoded by the camera ex113 or the streamingserver ex103 that transmits the data, or the encoding processes may beshared between the camera ex113 and the streaming server ex103.Similarly, the distributed data may be decoded by the clients or thestreaming server ex103, or the decoding processes may be shared betweenthe clients and the streaming server ex103. Furthermore, the data of thestill images and video captured by not only the camera ex113 but alsothe camera ex116 may be transmitted to the streaming server ex103through the computer ex111. The encoding processes may be performed bythe camera ex116, the computer ex111, or the streaming server ex103, orshared among them.

Furthermore, the coding processes may be performed by an LSI ex500generally included in each of the computer ex111 and the devices. TheLSI ex500 may be configured of a single chip or a plurality of chips.Software for coding video may be integrated into some type of arecording medium (such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, and a hard disk)that is readable by the computer ex111 and others, and the codingprocesses may be performed using the software. Furthermore, when thecellular phone ex114 is equipped with a camera, the video data obtainedby the camera may be transmitted. The video data is data encoded by theLSI ex500 included in the cellular phone ex114.

Furthermore, the streaming server ex103 may be composed of servers andcomputers, and may decentralize data and process the decentralized data,record, or distribute data.

As described above, the clients may receive and reproduce the encodeddata in the content providing system ex100. In other words, the clientscan receive and decode information transmitted by the user, andreproduce the decoded data in real time in the content providing systemex100, so that the user who does not have any particular right andequipment can implement personal broadcasting.

Aside from the example of the content providing system ex100, at leastone of the moving picture coding apparatus (image coding apparatus)described in each of embodiments may be implemented in a digitalbroadcasting system ex200 illustrated in FIG. 18. More specifically, abroadcast station ex201 communicates or transmits, via radio waves to abroadcast satellite ex202, multiplexed data obtained by multiplexingaudio data and others onto video data. The video data is data encoded bythe moving picture encoding method described in each of embodiments(i.e., data encoded by the image encoding apparatus according to anaspect of the present invention). Upon receipt of the multiplexed data,the broadcast satellite ex202 transmits radio waves for broadcasting.Then, a home-use antenna ex204 with a satellite broadcast receptionfunction receives the radio waves. Next, a device such as a television(receiver) ex300 and a set top box (STB) ex217 decodes the receivedmultiplexed data, and reproduces the decoded data (i.e., functions asthe image decoding apparatus according to an aspect of the presentinvention).

Furthermore, a reader/recorder ex218 (i) reads and decodes themultiplexed data recorded on a recording medium ex215, such as a DVD anda BD, or (i) encodes video signals in the recording medium ex215, and insome cases, writes data obtained by multiplexing an audio signal on theencoded data. The reader/recorder ex218 can include the moving picturedecoding apparatus or the moving picture encoding apparatus as shown ineach of embodiments. In this case, the reproduced video signals aredisplayed on the monitor ex219, and can be reproduced by another deviceor system using the recording medium ex215 on which the multiplexed datais recorded. It is also possible to implement the moving picturedecoding apparatus in the set top box ex217 connected to the cable ex203for a cable television or to the antenna ex204 for satellite and/orterrestrial broadcasting, so as to display the video signals on themonitor ex219 of the television ex300. The moving picture decodingapparatus may be implemented not in the set top box but in thetelevision ex300.

FIG. 19 illustrates the television (receiver) ex300 that uses the movingpicture encoding method and the moving picture decoding method describedin each of embodiments. The television ex300 includes: a tuner ex301that obtains or provides multiplexed data obtained by multiplexing audiodata onto video data, through the antenna ex204 or the cable ex203, etc.that receives a broadcast; a modulation/demodulation unit ex302 thatdemodulates the received multiplexed data or modulates data intomultiplexed data to be supplied outside; and amultiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex303 that demultiplexes the modulatedmultiplexed data into video data and audio data, or multiplexes videodata and audio data encoded by a signal processing unit ex306 into data.

The television ex300 further includes: a signal processing unit ex306including an audio signal processing unit ex304 and a video signalprocessing unit ex305 that code each of audio data and video data,(which function as the image coding apparatus according to the aspectsof the present invention); and an output unit ex309 including a speakerex307 that provides the decoded audio signal, and a display unit ex308that displays the decoded video signal, such as a display. Furthermore,the television ex300 includes an interface unit ex317 including anoperation input unit ex312 that receives an input of a user operation.Furthermore, the television ex300 includes a control unit ex310 thatcontrols overall each constituent element of the television ex300, and apower supply circuit unit ex311 that supplies power to each of theelements. Other than the operation input unit ex312, the interface unitex317 may include: a bridge ex313 that is connected to an externaldevice, such as the reader/recorder ex218; a slot unit ex314 forenabling attachment of the recording medium ex216, such as an SD card; adriver ex315 to be connected to an external recording medium, such as ahard disk; and a modem ex316 to be connected to a telephone network.Here, the recording medium ex216 can electrically record informationusing a non-volatile/volatile semiconductor memory element for storage.The constituent elements of the television ex300 are connected to eachother through a synchronous bus.

First, the configuration in which the television ex300 decodesmultiplexed data obtained from outside through the antenna ex204 andothers and reproduces the decoded data will be described. In thetelevision ex300, upon a user operation through a remote controllerex220 and others, the multiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex303demultiplexes the multiplexed data demodulated by themodulation/demodulation unit ex302, under control of the control unitex310 including a CPU. Furthermore, the audio signal processing unitex304 decodes the demultiplexed audio data, and the video signalprocessing unit ex305 decodes the demultiplexed video data, using thedecoding method described in each of embodiments, in the televisionex300. The output unit ex309 provides the decoded video signal and audiosignal outside, respectively. When the output unit ex309 provides thevideo signal and the audio signal, the signals may be temporarily storedin buffers ex318 and ex319, and others so that the signals arereproduced in synchronization with each other. Furthermore, thetelevision ex300 may read multiplexed data not through a broadcast andothers but from the recording media ex215 and ex216, such as a magneticdisk, an optical disk, and a SD card. Next, a configuration in which thetelevision ex300 encodes an audio signal and a video signal, andtransmits the data outside or writes the data on a recording medium willbe described. In the television ex300, upon a user operation through theremote controller ex220 and others, the audio signal processing unitex304 encodes an audio signal, and the video signal processing unitex305 encodes a video signal, under control of the control unit ex310using the encoding method described in each of embodiments. Themultiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex303 multiplexes the encoded videosignal and audio signal, and provides the resulting signal outside. Whenthe multiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex303 multiplexes the video signaland the audio signal, the signals may be temporarily stored in thebuffers ex320 and ex321, and others so that the signals are reproducedin synchronization with each other. Here, the buffers ex318, ex319,ex320, and ex321 may be plural as illustrated, or at least one buffermay be shared in the television ex300. Furthermore, data may be storedin a buffer so that the system overflow and underflow may be avoidedbetween the modulation/demodulation unit ex302 and themultiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex303, for example.

Furthermore, the television ex300 may include a configuration forreceiving an AV input from a microphone or a camera other than theconfiguration for obtaining audio and video data from a broadcast or arecording medium, and may encode the obtained data. Although thetelevision ex300 can encode, multiplex, and provide outside data in thedescription, it may be capable of only receiving, decoding, andproviding outside data but not the encoding, multiplexing, and providingoutside data.

Furthermore, when the reader/recorder ex218 reads or writes multiplexeddata from or on a recording medium, one of the television ex300 and thereader/recorder ex218 may code the multiplexed data, and the televisionex300 and the reader/recorder ex218 may share the coding partly.

As an example, FIG. 20 illustrates a configuration of an informationreproducing/recording unit ex400 when data is read or written from or onan optical disk. The information reproducing/recording unit ex400includes constituent elements ex401, ex402, ex403, ex404, ex405, ex406,and ex407 to be described hereinafter. The optical head ex401 irradiatesa laser spot in a recording surface of the recording medium ex215 thatis an optical disk to write information, and detects reflected lightfrom the recording surface of the recording medium ex215 to read theinformation. The modulation recording unit ex402 electrically drives asemiconductor laser included in the optical head ex401, and modulatesthe laser light according to recorded data. The reproductiondemodulating unit ex403 amplifies a reproduction signal obtained byelectrically detecting the reflected light from the recording surfaceusing a photo detector included in the optical head ex401, anddemodulates the reproduction signal by separating a signal componentrecorded on the recording medium ex215 to reproduce the necessaryinformation. The buffer ex404 temporarily holds the information to berecorded on the recording medium ex215 and the information reproducedfrom the recording medium ex215. The disk motor ex405 rotates therecording medium ex215. The servo control unit ex406 moves the opticalhead ex401 to a predetermined information track while controlling therotation drive of the disk motor ex405 so as to follow the laser spot.The system control unit ex407 controls overall the informationreproducing/recording unit ex400. The reading and writing processes canbe implemented by the system control unit ex407 using variousinformation stored in the buffer ex404 and generating and adding newinformation as necessary, and by the modulation recording unit ex402,the reproduction demodulating unit ex403, and the servo control unitex406 that record and reproduce information through the optical headex401 while being operated in a coordinated manner. The system controlunit ex407 includes, for example, a microprocessor, and executesprocessing by causing a computer to execute a program for read andwrite.

Although the optical head ex401 irradiates a laser spot in thedescription, it may perform high-density recording using near fieldlight.

FIG. 21 illustrates the recording medium ex215 that is the optical disk.On the recording surface of the recording medium ex215, guide groovesare spirally formed, and an information track ex230 records, in advance,address information indicating an absolute position on the diskaccording to change in a shape of the guide grooves. The addressinformation includes information for determining positions of recordingblocks ex231 that are a unit for recording data. Reproducing theinformation track ex230 and reading the address information in anapparatus that records and reproduces data can lead to determination ofthe positions of the recording blocks. Furthermore, the recording mediumex215 includes a data recording area ex233, an inner circumference areaex232, and an outer circumference area ex234. The data recording areaex233 is an area for use in recording the user data. The innercircumference area ex232 and the outer circumference area ex234 that areinside and outside of the data recording area ex233, respectively arefor specific use except for recording the user data. The informationreproducing/recording unit 400 reads and writes encoded audio, encodedvideo data, or multiplexed data obtained by multiplexing the encodedaudio and video data, from and on the data recording area ex233 of therecording medium ex215.

Although an optical disk having a layer, such as a DVD and a BD isdescribed as an example in the description, the optical disk is notlimited to such, and may be an optical disk having a multilayerstructure and capable of being recorded on a part other than thesurface. Furthermore, the optical disk may have a structure formultidimensional recording/reproduction, such as recording ofinformation using light of colors with different wavelengths in the sameportion of the optical disk and for recording information havingdifferent layers from various angles.

Furthermore, a car ex210 having an antenna ex205 can receive data fromthe satellite ex202 and others, and reproduce video on a display devicesuch as a car navigation system ex211 set in the car ex210, in thedigital broadcasting system ex200. Here, a configuration of the carnavigation system ex211 will be a configuration, for example, includinga GPS receiving unit from the configuration illustrated in FIG. 19. Thesame will be true for the configuration of the computer ex111, thecellular phone ex114, and others.

FIG. 22A illustrates the cellular phone ex114 that uses the movingpicture coding method described in embodiments. The cellular phone ex114includes: an antenna ex350 for transmitting and receiving radio wavesthrough the base station ex110; a camera unit ex365 capable of capturingmoving and still images; and a display unit ex358 such as a liquidcrystal display for displaying the data such as decoded video capturedby the camera unit ex365 or received by the antenna ex350. The cellularphone ex114 further includes: a main body unit including an operationkey unit ex366; an audio output unit ex357 such as a speaker for outputof audio; an audio input unit ex356 such as a microphone for input ofaudio; a memory unit ex367 for storing captured video or still pictures,recorded audio, coded data of the received video, the still pictures,e-mails, or others; and a slot unit ex364 that is an interface unit fora recording medium that stores data in the same manner as the memoryunit ex367.

Next, an example of a configuration of the cellular phone ex114 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 22B. In the cellular phone ex114, amain control unit ex360 designed to control overall each unit of themain body including the display unit ex358 as well as the operation keyunit ex366 is connected mutually, via a synchronous bus ex370, to apower supply circuit unit ex361, an operation input control unit ex362,a video signal processing unit ex355, a camera interface unit ex363, aliquid crystal display (LCD) control unit ex359, amodulation/demodulation unit ex352, a multiplexing/demultiplexing unitex353, an audio signal processing unit ex354, the slot unit ex364, andthe memory unit ex367.

When a call-end key or a power key is turned ON by a user's operation,the power supply circuit unit ex361 supplies the respective units withpower from a battery pack so as to activate the cell phone ex114.

In the cellular phone ex114, the audio signal processing unit ex354converts the audio signals collected by the audio input unit ex356 invoice conversation mode into digital audio signals under the control ofthe main control unit ex360 including a CPU, ROM, and RAM. Then, themodulation/demodulation unit ex352 performs spread spectrum processingon the digital audio signals, and the transmitting and receiving unitex351 performs digital-to-analog conversion and frequency conversion onthe data, so as to transmit the resulting data via the antenna ex350.Also, in the cellular phone ex114, the transmitting and receiving unitex351 amplifies the data received by the antenna ex350 in voiceconversation mode and performs frequency conversion and theanalog-to-digital conversion on the data. Then, themodulation/demodulation unit ex352 performs inverse spread spectrumprocessing on the data, and the audio signal processing unit ex354converts it into analog audio signals, so as to output them via theaudio output unit ex357.

Furthermore, when an e-mail in data communication mode is transmitted,text data of the e-mail inputted by operating the operation key unitex366 and others of the main body is sent out to the main control unitex360 via the operation input control unit ex362. The main control unitex360 causes the modulation/demodulation unit ex352 to perform spreadspectrum processing on the text data, and the transmitting and receivingunit ex351 performs the digital-to-analog conversion and the frequencyconversion on the resulting data to transmit the data to the basestation ex110 via the antenna ex350. When an e-mail is received,processing that is approximately inverse to the processing fortransmitting an e-mail is performed on the received data, and theresulting data is provided to the display unit ex358.

When video, still images, or video and audio in data communication modeis or are transmitted, the video signal processing unit ex355 compressesand encodes video signals supplied from the camera unit ex365 using themoving picture encoding method shown in each of embodiments (i.e.,functions as the image encoding apparatus according to the aspect of thepresent invention), and transmits the encoded video data to themultiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex353. In contrast, during when thecamera unit ex365 captures video, still images, and others, the audiosignal processing unit ex354 encodes audio signals collected by theaudio input unit ex356, and transmits the encoded audio data to themultiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex353.

The multiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex353 multiplexes the encoded videodata supplied from the video signal processing unit ex355 and theencoded audio data supplied from the audio signal processing unit ex354,using a predetermined method. Then, the modulation/demodulation unit(modulation/demodulation circuit unit) ex352 performs spread spectrumprocessing on the multiplexed data, and the transmitting and receivingunit ex351 performs digital-to-analog conversion and frequencyconversion on the data so as to transmit the resulting data via theantenna ex350.

When receiving data of a video file which is linked to a Web page andothers in data communication mode or when receiving an e-mail with videoand/or audio attached, in order to decode the multiplexed data receivedvia the antenna ex350, the multiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex353demultiplexes the multiplexed data into a video data bit stream and anaudio data bit stream, and supplies the video signal processing unitex355 with the encoded video data and the audio signal processing unitex354 with the encoded audio data, through the synchronous bus ex370.The video signal processing unit ex355 decodes the video signal using amoving picture decoding method corresponding to the moving pictureencoding method shown in each of embodiments (i.e., functions as theimage decoding apparatus according to the aspect of the presentinvention), and then the display unit ex358 displays, for instance, thevideo and still images included in the video file linked to the Web pagevia the LCD control unit ex359. Furthermore, the audio signal processingunit ex354 decodes the audio signal, and the audio output unit ex357provides the audio.

Furthermore, similarly to the television ex300, a terminal such as thecellular phone ex114 probably have 3 types of implementationconfigurations including not only (i) a transmitting and receivingterminal including both an encoding apparatus and a decoding apparatus,but also (ii) a transmitting terminal including only an encodingapparatus and (iii) a receiving terminal including only a decodingapparatus. Although the digital broadcasting system ex200 receives andtransmits the multiplexed data obtained by multiplexing audio data ontovideo data in the description, the multiplexed data may be data obtainedby multiplexing not audio data but character data related to video ontovideo data, and may be not multiplexed data but video data itself.

As such, the moving picture coding method in each of embodiments can beused in any of the devices and systems described. Thus, the advantagesdescribed in each of embodiments can be obtained.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to embodiments, andvarious modifications and revisions are possible without departing fromthe scope of the present invention.

Embodiment 4

Video data can be generated by switching, as necessary, between (i) themoving picture encoding method or the moving picture encoding apparatusshown in each of embodiments and (ii) a moving picture encoding methodor a moving picture encoding apparatus in conformity with a differentstandard, such as MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC, and VC-1.

Here, when a plurality of video data that conforms to the differentstandards is generated and is then decoded, the decoding methods need tobe selected to conform to the different standards. However, since towhich standard each of the plurality of the video data to be decodedconform cannot be detected, there is a problem that an appropriatedecoding method cannot be selected.

In order to solve the problem, multiplexed data obtained by multiplexingaudio data and others onto video data has a structure includingidentification information indicating to which standard the video dataconforms. The specific structure of the multiplexed data including thevideo data generated in the moving picture encoding method and by themoving picture encoding apparatus shown in each of embodiments will behereinafter described. The multiplexed data is a digital stream in theMPEG-2 Transport Stream format.

FIG. 23 illustrates a structure of the multiplexed data. As illustratedin FIG. 23, the multiplexed data can be obtained by multiplexing atleast one of a video stream, an audio stream, a presentation graphicsstream (PG), and an interactive graphics stream. The video streamrepresents primary video and secondary video of a movie, the audiostream (IG) represents a primary audio part and a secondary audio partto be mixed with the primary audio part, and the presentation graphicsstream represents subtitles of the movie. Here, the primary video isnormal video to be displayed on a screen, and the secondary video isvideo to be displayed on a smaller window in the primary video.Furthermore, the interactive graphics stream represents an interactivescreen to be generated by arranging the GUI components on a screen. Thevideo stream is encoded in the moving picture encoding method or by themoving picture encoding apparatus shown in each of embodiments, or in amoving picture encoding method or by a moving picture encoding apparatusin conformity with a conventional standard, such as MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC,and VC-1. The audio stream is encoded in accordance with a standard,such as Dolby-AC-3, Dolby Digital Plus, MLP, DTS, DTS-HD, and linearPCM.

Each stream included in the multiplexed data is identified by PID. Forexample, 0x1011 is allocated to the video stream to be used for video ofa movie, 0x1100 to 0x111F are allocated to the audio streams, 0x1200 to0x121F are allocated to the presentation graphics streams, 0x1400 to0x141F are allocated to the interactive graphics streams, 0x1B00 to0x1B1F are allocated to the video streams to be used for secondary videoof the movie, and 0x1A00 to 0x1A1F are allocated to the audio streams tobe used for the secondary audio to be mixed with the primary audio.

FIG. 24 schematically illustrates how data is multiplexed. First, avideo stream ex235 composed of video frames and an audio stream ex238composed of audio frames are transformed into a stream of PES packetsex236 and a stream of PES packets ex239, and further into TS packetsex237 and TS packets ex240, respectively. Similarly, data of apresentation graphics stream ex241 and data of an interactive graphicsstream ex244 are transformed into a stream of PES packets ex242 and astream of PES packets ex245, and further into TS packets ex243 and TSpackets ex246, respectively. These TS packets are multiplexed into astream to obtain multiplexed data ex247.

FIG. 25 illustrates how a video stream is stored in a stream of PESpackets in more detail. The first bar in FIG. 25 shows a video framestream in a video stream. The second bar shows the stream of PESpackets. As indicated by arrows denoted as yy1, yy2, yy3, and yy4 inFIG. 25, the video stream is divided into pictures as I pictures, Bpictures, and P pictures each of which is a video presentation unit, andthe pictures are stored in a payload of each of the PES packets. Each ofthe PES packets has a PES header, and the PES header stores aPresentation Time-Stamp (PTS) indicating a display time of the picture,and a Decoding Time-Stamp (ITS) indicating a decoding time of thepicture.

FIG. 26 illustrates a format of TS packets to be finally written on themultiplexed data. Each of the TS packets is a 188-byte fixed lengthpacket including a 4-byte TS header having information, such as a PIDfor identifying a stream and a 184-byte TS payload for storing data. ThePES packets are divided, and stored in the TS payloads, respectively.When a BD ROM is used, each of the TS packets is given a 4-byteTP_Extra_Header, thus resulting in 192-byte source packets. The sourcepackets are written on the multiplexed data. The TP_Extra_Header storesinformation such as an Arrival_Time_Stamp (ATS). The ATS shows atransfer start time at which each of the TS packets is to be transferredto a PID filter. The source packets are arranged in the multiplexed dataas shown at the bottom of FIG. 26. The numbers incrementing from thehead of the multiplexed data are called source packet numbers (SPNs).

Each of the TS packets included in the multiplexed data includes notonly streams of audio, video, subtitles and others, but also a ProgramAssociation Table (PAT), a Program Map Table (PMT), and a Program ClockReference (PCR). The PAT shows what a PID in a PMT used in themultiplexed data indicates, and a PID of the PAT itself is registered aszero. The PMT stores PIDs of the streams of video, audio, subtitles andothers included in the multiplexed data, and attribute information ofthe streams corresponding to the PIDs. The PMT also has variousdescriptors relating to the multiplexed data. The descriptors haveinformation such as copy control information showing whether copying ofthe multiplexed data is permitted or not. The PCR stores STC timeinformation corresponding to an ATS showing when the PCR packet istransferred to a decoder, in order to achieve synchronization between anArrival Time Clock (ATC) that is a time axis of ATSs, and an System TimeClock (STC) that is a time axis of PTSs and DTSs.

FIG. 27 illustrates the data structure of the PMT in detail. A PMTheader is disposed at the top of the PMT. The PMT header describes thelength of data included in the PMT and others. A plurality ofdescriptors relating to the multiplexed data is disposed after the PMTheader. Information such as the copy control information is described inthe descriptors. After the descriptors, a plurality of pieces of streaminformation relating to the streams included in the multiplexed data isdisposed. Each piece of stream information includes stream descriptorseach describing information, such as a stream type for identifying acompression codec of a stream, a stream PID, and stream attributeinformation (such as a frame rate or an aspect ratio). The streamdescriptors are equal in number to the number of streams in themultiplexed data.

When the multiplexed data is recorded on a recording medium and others,it is recorded together with multiplexed data information files.

Each of the multiplexed data information files is management informationof the multiplexed data as shown in FIG. 28. The multiplexed datainformation files are in one to one correspondence with the multiplexeddata, and each of the files includes multiplexed data information,stream attribute information, and an entry map.

As illustrated in FIG. 28, the multiplexed data information includes asystem rate, a reproduction start time, and a reproduction end time. Thesystem rate indicates the maximum transfer rate at which a system targetdecoder to be described later transfers the multiplexed data to a PIDfilter. The intervals of the ATSs included in the multiplexed data areset to not higher than a system rate. The reproduction start timeindicates a PTS in a video frame at the head of the multiplexed data. Aninterval of one frame is added to a PTS in a video frame at the end ofthe multiplexed data, and the PTS is set to the reproduction end time.

As shown in FIG. 29, a piece of attribute information is registered inthe stream attribute information, for each PID of each stream includedin the multiplexed data. Each piece of attribute information hasdifferent information depending on whether the corresponding stream is avideo stream, an audio stream, a presentation graphics stream, or aninteractive graphics stream. Each piece of video stream attributeinformation carries information including what kind of compression codecis used for compressing the video stream, and the resolution, aspectratio and frame rate of the pieces of picture data that is included inthe video stream. Each piece of audio stream attribute informationcarries information including what kind of compression codec is used forcompressing the audio stream, how many channels are included in theaudio stream, which language the audio stream supports, and how high thesampling frequency is. The video stream attribute information and theaudio stream attribute information are used for initialization of adecoder before the player plays back the information.

In the present embodiment, the multiplexed data to be used is of astream type included in the PMT. Furthermore, when the multiplexed datais recorded on a recording medium, the video stream attributeinformation included in the multiplexed data information is used. Morespecifically, the moving picture encoding method or the moving pictureencoding apparatus described in each of embodiments includes a step or aunit for allocating unique information indicating video data generatedby the moving picture encoding method or the moving picture encodingapparatus in each of embodiments, to the stream type included in the PMTor the video stream attribute information. With the configuration, thevideo data generated by the moving picture encoding method or the movingpicture encoding apparatus described in each of embodiments can bedistinguished from video data that conforms to another standard.

Furthermore, FIG. 30 illustrates steps of the moving picture decodingmethod according to the present embodiment. In Step exS100, the streamtype included in the PMT or the video stream attribute informationincluded in the multiplexed data information is obtained from themultiplexed data. Next, in Step exS101, it is determined whether or notthe stream type or the video stream attribute information indicates thatthe multiplexed data is generated by the moving picture encoding methodor the moving picture encoding apparatus in each of embodiments. When itis determined that the stream type or the video stream attributeinformation indicates that the multiplexed data is generated by themoving picture encoding method or the moving picture encoding apparatusin each of embodiments, in Step exS102, decoding is performed by themoving picture decoding method in each of embodiments. Furthermore, whenthe stream type or the video stream attribute information indicatesconformance to the conventional standards, such as MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC,and VC-1, in Step exS103, decoding is performed by a moving picturedecoding method in conformity with the conventional standards.

As such, allocating a new unique value to the stream type or the videostream attribute information enables determination whether or not themoving picture decoding method or the moving picture decoding apparatusthat is described in each of embodiments can perform decoding. Even whenmultiplexed data that conforms to a different standard is input, anappropriate decoding method or apparatus can be selected. Thus, itbecomes possible to decode information without any error. Furthermore,the moving picture encoding method or apparatus, or the moving picturedecoding method or apparatus in the present embodiment can be used inthe devices and systems described above.

Embodiment 5

Each of the moving picture coding method and the moving picture codingapparatus in each of embodiments is typically achieved in the form of anintegrated circuit or a Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuit. As anexample of the LSI, FIG. 31 illustrates a configuration of the LSI ex500that is made into one chip. The LSI ex500 includes elements ex501,ex502, ex503, ex504, ex505, ex506, ex507, ex508, and ex509 to bedescribed below, and the elements are connected to each other through abus ex510. The power supply circuit unit ex505 is activated by supplyingeach of the elements with power when the power supply circuit unit ex505is turned on.

For example, when encoding is performed, the LSI ex500 receives an AVsignal from a microphone ex117, a camera ex113, and others through an AVIO ex509 under control of a control unit ex501 including a CPU ex502, amemory controller ex503, a stream controller ex504, and a drivingfrequency control unit ex512. The received AV signal is temporarilystored in an external memory ex511, such as an SDRAM. Under control ofthe control unit ex501, the stored data is segmented into data portionsaccording to the processing amount and speed to be transmitted to asignal processing unit ex507. Then, the signal processing unit ex507encodes an audio signal and/or a video signal. Here, the encoding of thevideo signal is the encoding described in each of embodiments.Furthermore, the signal processing unit ex507 sometimes multiplexes theencoded audio data and the encoded video data, and a stream IO ex506provides the multiplexed data outside. The provided multiplexed data istransmitted to the base station ex107, or written on the recordingmedium ex215. When data sets are multiplexed, the data should betemporarily stored in the buffer ex508 so that the data sets aresynchronized with each other.

Although the memory ex511 is an element outside the LSI ex500, it may beincluded in the LSI ex500. The buffer ex508 is not limited to onebuffer, but may be composed of buffers. Furthermore, the LSI ex500 maybe made into one chip or a plurality of chips.

Furthermore, although the control unit ex501 includes the CPU ex502, thememory controller ex503, the stream controller ex504, the drivingfrequency control unit ex512, the configuration of the control unitex501 is not limited to such. For example, the signal processing unitex507 may further include a CPU. Inclusion of another CPU in the signalprocessing unit ex507 can improve the processing speed. Furthermore, asanother example, the CPU ex502 may serve as or be a part of the signalprocessing unit ex507, and, for example, may include an audio signalprocessing unit. In such a case, the control unit ex501 includes thesignal processing unit ex507 or the CPU ex502 including a part of thesignal processing unit ex507.

The name used here is LSI, but it may also be called IC, system LSI,super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration.

Moreover, ways to achieve integration are not limited to the LSI, and aspecial circuit or a general purpose processor and so forth can alsoachieve the integration. Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that canbe programmed after manufacturing LSIs or a reconfigurable processorthat allows re-configuration of the connection or configuration of anLSI can be used for the same purpose. Such a programmable logic devicecan typically execute the moving picture coding method according to anyof the above embodiments, by loading or reading from a memory or theylike one or more programs that are included in software or firmware.

In the future, with advancement in semiconductor technology, a brand-newtechnology may replace LSI. The functional blocks can be integratedusing such a technology. The possibility is that the present inventionis applied to biotechnology.

Embodiment 6

When video data generated in the moving picture encoding method or bythe moving picture encoding apparatus described in each of embodimentsis decoded, compared to when video data that conforms to a conventionalstandard, such as MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC, and VC-1 is decoded, theprocessing amount probably increases. Thus, the LSI ex500 needs to beset to a driving frequency higher than that of the CPU ex502 to be usedwhen video data in conformity with the conventional standard is decoded.However, there is a problem that the power consumption increases whenthe driving frequency is set higher.

In order to solve the problem, the moving picture decoding apparatus,such as the television ex300 and the LSI ex500 is configured todetermine to which standard the video data conforms, and switch betweenthe driving frequencies according to the determined standard. FIG. 32illustrates a configuration ex800 in the present embodiment. A drivingfrequency switching unit ex803 sets a driving frequency to a higherdriving frequency when video data is generated by the moving pictureencoding method or the moving picture encoding apparatus described ineach of embodiments. Then, the driving frequency switching unit ex803instructs a decoding processing unit ex801 that executes the movingpicture decoding method described in each of embodiments to decode thevideo data. When the video data conforms to the conventional standard,the driving frequency switching unit ex803 sets a driving frequency to alower driving frequency than that of the video data generated by themoving picture encoding method or the moving picture encoding apparatusdescribed in each of embodiments. Then, the driving frequency switchingunit ex803 instructs the decoding processing unit ex802 that conforms tothe conventional standard to decode the video data.

More specifically, the driving frequency switching unit ex803 includesthe CPU ex502 and the driving frequency control unit ex512 in FIG. 31.Here, each of the decoding processing unit ex801 that executes themoving picture decoding method described in each of embodiments and thedecoding processing unit ex802 that conforms to the conventionalstandard corresponds to the signal processing unit ex507 in FIG. 31. TheCPU ex502 determines to which standard the video data conforms. Then,the driving frequency control unit ex512 determines a driving frequencybased on a signal from the CPU ex502. Furthermore, the signal processingunit ex507 decodes the video data based on the signal from the CPUex502. For example, the identification information described inEmbodiment 4 is probably used for identifying the video data. Theidentification information is not limited to the one described inEmbodiment 4 but may be any information as long as the informationindicates to which standard the video data conforms. For example, whenwhich standard video data conforms to can be determined based on anexternal signal for determining that the video data is used for atelevision or a disk, etc., the determination may be made based on suchan external signal. Furthermore, the CPU ex502 selects a drivingfrequency based on, for example, a look-up table in which the standardsof the video data are associated with the driving frequencies as shownin FIG. 34. The driving frequency can be selected by storing the look-uptable in the buffer ex508 and in an internal memory of an LSI, and withreference to the look-up table by the CPU ex502.

FIG. 33 illustrates steps for executing a method in the presentembodiment. First, in. Step exS200, the signal processing unit ex507obtains identification information from the multiplexed data. Next, inStep exS201, the CPU ex502 determines whether or not the video data isgenerated by the encoding method and the encoding apparatus described ineach of embodiments, based on the identification information. When thevideo data is generated by the moving picture encoding method and themoving picture encoding apparatus described in each of embodiments, inStep exS202, the CPU ex502 transmits a signal for setting the drivingfrequency to a higher driving frequency to the driving frequency controlunit ex512. Then, the driving frequency control unit ex512 sets thedriving frequency to the higher driving frequency. On the other hand,when the identification information indicates that the video dataconforms to the conventional standard, such as MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC, andVC-1, in Step exS203, the CPU ex502 transmits a signal for setting thedriving frequency to a lower driving frequency to the driving frequencycontrol unit ex512. Then, the driving frequency control unit ex512 setsthe driving frequency to the lower driving frequency than that in thecase where the video data is generated by the moving picture encodingmethod and the moving picture encoding apparatus described in each ofembodiment.

Furthermore, along with the switching of the driving frequencies, thepower conservation effect can be improved by changing the voltage to beapplied to the LSI ex500 or an apparatus including the LSI ex500. Forexample, when the driving frequency is set lower, the voltage to beapplied to the LSI ex500 or the apparatus including the LSI ex500 isprobably set to a voltage lower than that in the case where the drivingfrequency is set higher.

Furthermore, when the processing amount for decoding is larger, thedriving frequency may be set higher, and when the processing amount fordecoding is smaller, the driving frequency may be set lower as themethod for setting the driving frequency. Thus, the setting method isnot limited to the ones described above. For example, when theprocessing amount for decoding video data in conformity with MPEG-4 AVCis larger than the processing amount for decoding video data generatedby the moving picture encoding method and the moving picture encodingapparatus described in each of embodiments, the driving frequency isprobably set in reverse order to the setting described above.

Furthermore, the method for setting the driving frequency is not limitedto the method for setting the driving frequency lower. For example, whenthe identification information indicates that the video data isgenerated by the moving picture encoding method and the moving pictureencoding apparatus described in each of embodiments, the voltage to beapplied to the LSI ex500 or the apparatus including the LSI ex500 isprobably set higher. When the identification information indicates thatthe video data conforms to the conventional standard, such as MPEG-2,MPEG-4 AVC, and VC-1, the voltage to be applied to the LSI ex500 or theapparatus including the LSI ex500 is probably set lower. As anotherexample, when the identification information indicates that the videodata is generated by the moving picture encoding method and the movingpicture encoding apparatus described in each of embodiments, the drivingof the CPU ex502 does not probably have to be suspended. When theidentification information indicates that the video data conforms to theconventional standard, such as MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC, and VC-1, the drivingof the CPU ex502 is probably suspended at a given time because the CPUex502 has extra processing capacity. Even when the identificationinformation indicates that the video data is generated by the movingpicture encoding method and the moving picture encoding apparatusdescribed in each of embodiments, in the case where the CPU ex502 hasextra processing capacity, the driving of the CPU ex502 is probablysuspended at a given time. In such a case, the suspending time isprobably set shorter than that in the case where when the identificationinformation indicates that the video data conforms to the conventionalstandard, such as MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC, and VC-1.

Accordingly, the power conservation effect can be improved by switchingbetween the driving frequencies in accordance with the standard to whichthe video data conforms. Furthermore, when the LSI ex500 or theapparatus including the LSI ex500 is driven using a battery, the batterylife can be extended with the power conservation effect.

Embodiment 7

There are cases where a plurality of video data that conforms todifferent standards, is provided to the devices and systems, such as atelevision and a cellular phone. In order to enable decoding theplurality of video data that conforms to the different standards, thesignal processing unit ex507 of the LSI ex500 needs to conform to thedifferent standards. However, the problems of increase in the scale ofthe circuit of the LSI ex500 and increase in the cost arise with theindividual use of the signal processing units ex507 that conform to therespective standards.

In order to solve the problem, what is conceived is a configuration inwhich the decoding processing unit for implementing the moving picturedecoding method described in each of embodiments and the decodingprocessing unit that conforms to the conventional standard, such asMPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC, and VC-1 are partly shared. Ex900 in FIG. 35A showsan example of the configuration. For example, the moving picturedecoding method described in each of embodiments and the moving picturedecoding method that conforms to MPEG-4 AVC have, partly in common, thedetails of processing, such as entropy encoding, inverse quantization,deblocking filtering, and motion compensated prediction. The details ofprocessing to be shared probably include use of a decoding processingunit ex902 that conforms to MPEG-4 AVC. In contrast, a dedicateddecoding processing unit ex901 is probably used for other processingwhich is unique to an aspect of the present invention and does notconform to MPEG-4 AVC. Since the aspect of the present invention ischaracterized by system decoder processing in particular, for example,the dedicated decoding processing unit ex901 is used for system decoderprocessing. Otherwise, the decoding processing unit is probably sharedfor one of the entropy decoding, deblocking filtering, motioncompensation, and inverse quantization, or all of the processing. Thedecoding processing unit for implementing the moving picture decodingmethod described in each of embodiments may be shared for the processingto be shared, and a dedicated decoding processing unit may be used forprocessing unique to that of MPEG-4 AVC.

Furthermore, ex1000 in FIG. 35B shows another example in that processingis partly shared. This example uses a configuration including adedicated decoding processing unit ex1001 that supports the processingunique to an aspect of the present invention, a dedicated decodingprocessing unit ex1002 that supports the processing unique to anotherconventional standard, and a decoding processing unit ex1003 thatsupports processing to be shared between the moving picture decodingmethod according to the aspect of the present invention and theconventional moving picture decoding method. Here, the dedicateddecoding processing units ex1001 and ex1002 are not necessarilyspecialized for the processing according to the aspect of the presentinvention and the processing of the conventional standard, respectively,and may be the ones capable of implementing general processing.Furthermore, the configuration of the present embodiment can beimplemented by the LSI ex500.

As such, reducing the scale of the circuit of an LSI and reducing thecost are possible by sharing the decoding processing unit for theprocessing to be shared between the moving picture decoding methodaccording to the aspect of the present invention and the moving picturedecoding method in conformity with the conventional standard.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is applicable to, for example, televisionreceivers, digital video recorders, car navigation systems, mobiletelephones, digital cameras, digital video cameras, etc.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   100 Spatial scalable image encoding device-   101, 201, 401 Input image control unit-   102 Downsampling unit-   103 Base layer encoding unit-   104 Expanding unit-   105 Enhancement layer encoding unit-   200, 301 Multiview image encoding device-   202 Base view encoding unit-   203 Enhancement view encoding unit-   300 Transmission side system-   302, 500 MPEG-2 system encoder-   400 Spatial scalable multiview video encoding device-   402 First downsampling unit-   403 Base view base layer encoding unit-   404 Base view enhancement layer encoding unit-   405 First expanding unit-   406 Second downsampling unit-   407 Enhancement view base layer encoding unit-   408 Enhancement view enhancement layer encoding unit-   409 Second expanding unit-   501 Sub-bitstream generating unit-   502 Descriptor generating unit-   600 MPEG-2 system decoder-   601 TS packet receiving unit-   602 Descriptor parsing unit-   603 Sub-bitstream control unit

The invention claimed is:
 1. An image encoding method comprising:generating a plurality of second sub-bitstreams from a plurality offirst sub-bitstreams, the plurality of first sub-bitstreams (i) beingobtained by encoding a plurality of images on a per layer basis and on aper view basis according to spatial scalable image encoding andmultiview image encoding, and (ii) corresponding to a plurality oflayers and a plurality of views, each of the plurality of secondsub-bitstreams including at least one of the plurality of firstsub-bitstreams corresponding to at least one of the plurality of layersand at least one of the plurality of views, and the plurality of secondsub-bitstreams being different from the plurality of firstsub-bitstreams; and generating, for each of the plurality of secondsub-bitstreams, a descriptor, which (i) includes a first fieldindicating a minimum value for at least one layer identifier indicatingthe at least one of the plurality of layers, a second field indicating amaximum value for the at least one layer identifier, a third fieldindicating a minimum value for at least one view identifier indicatingthe at least one of the plurality of views, and a fourth fieldindicating a maximum value for the at least one view identifier, and(ii) is available in an MPEG-2 system.
 2. An image decoding methodcomprising: obtaining a second sub-bitstream in a plurality of secondsub-bitstreams and a descriptor of the second sub-bitstream from abitstream including a plurality of first sub-bitstreams, the pluralityof first sub-bitstreams (i) being obtained by encoding a plurality ofimages on a per layer basis and on a per view basis according to spatialscalable image encoding and multiview image encoding, and (ii)corresponding to a plurality of layers and a plurality of views, each ofthe plurality of second sub-bitstreams including at least one of theplurality of first sub-bitstreams corresponding to at least one of theplurality of layers and at least one of the plurality of views, and theplurality of second sub-bitstreams being different from the plurality offirst sub-bitstreams; parsing the descriptor, which (i) includes a firstfield indicating a minimum value for at least one layer identifierindicating the at least one of the plurality of layers, a second fieldindicating a maximum value for the at least one layer identifier, athird field indicating a minimum value for at least one view identifierindicating the at least one of the plurality of views, and a fourthfield indicating a maximum value for the at least one view identifier,and (ii) is available in an MPEG-2 system; and determining a process tobe performed on the second sub-bitstream corresponding to thedescriptor, based on the minimum value indicated by the first field, themaximum value indicated by the second field, the minimum value indicatedby the third field, and the maximum value indicated by the fourth field.3. An image encoding device comprising: control circuitry; and storagewhich is electrically connected to the control circuitry, wherein thecontrol circuitry executes the steps of: generating a plurality ofsecond sub-bitstreams from a plurality of first sub-bitstreams, theplurality of first sub-bitstreams (i) being obtained by encoding aplurality of images on a per layer basis and on a per view basisaccording to spatial scalable image encoding and multiview imageencoding, and (ii) corresponding to a plurality of layers and aplurality of views, each of the plurality of second sub-bitstreamsincluding at least one of the plurality of first sub-bitstreamscorresponding to at least one of the plurality of layers and at leastone of the plurality of views, and the plurality of secondsub-bitstreams being different from the plurality of firstsub-bitstreams; and generating, for each of the plurality of secondsub-bitstreams, a descriptor which (i) includes a first field indicatinga minimum value for at least one layer identifier indicating the atleast one of the plurality of layers, a second field indicating amaximum value for the at least one layer identifier, a third fieldindicating a minimum value for at least one view identifier indicatingthe at least one of the plurality of views, and a fourth fieldindicating a maximum value for the at least one view identifier, and(ii) is available in an MPEG-2 system.
 4. An image decoding devicecomprising: control circuitry; and storage which is electricallyconnected to the control circuitry, wherein the control circuitryexecutes the steps of: obtaining a second sub-bitstream in a pluralityof second sub-bitstreams and a descriptor of the second sub-bitstreamfrom a bitstream including a plurality of first sub-bitstreams, theplurality of first sub-bitstreams (i) being obtained by encoding aplurality of images on a per layer basis on a per view bass according tospatial scalable image encoding and multiview image encoding, and (ii)corresponding to a plurality of layers and a plurality of views, each ofthe plurality of second sub-bitstreams including at least one of theplurality of first sub-bitstreams corresponding to at least of one ofthe plurality of layers and at least one of the plurality of views, andthe plurality of second sub-bitstreams being different from theplurality of first sub-bitstreams; parsing the descriptor, which (i)includes a first field indicating a minimum value for at least one layeridentifier indicating the at least one of the plurality of layers, asecond field indicating a maximum value for the at least one layeridentifier, a third field indicating a minimum value for at least oneview identifier indicating the at least one of the plurality of views,and a fourth field indicating a maximum value for the at least one viewidentifier, and (ii) is available in an MPEG-2 system; and determining aprocess to be performed on the second sub-bitstream corresponding to thedescriptor, based on the minimum value indicated by the first field, themaximum value indicated by the second field, the minimum value indicatedby the third field, and the maximum value indicated by the fourth field.